Indices Development for Player’s Performance Evaluation through the Super-SBM Approach in Each Department for All Three Formats of Cricket

Player performance evaluations in all three formats of cricket have been a topic of great concern for sports analysts and research experts. This study proposed a comprehensive performance estimation tool that incorporates all the essential inputs–outputs and evaluates a cricketer’s overall performance. This research introduced three different estimation indices for player efficiency in all three formats of cricket for batting, bowling, and fielding. Further, this research employed the DEA Super-SBM model to evaluate the player’s efficiency in batting, bowling, and fielding departments of all three formats. The study estimates the most efficient batsman, bowler, and fielder in cricketing history by using the data of international cricketers (1877–2019). The results indicate that, compared to the traditional parameters, the proposed study indices are more accurate and comprehensive in nature. The most efficient batsman, bowler, and fielder in all three formats are given, respectively: (i) Sir Bradman, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virat Kohli; (ii) Muralitharan, Mitchell Starc, and Umar Gul; and (iii) Saleem Yousuf, Luke Ronchi, and Scott Edwards. For teams, England, Australia, and India were determined to be the most efficient in batting for all three formats; the West Indies, Australia, and Pakistan are the most efficient in bowling; and the Australian (Test & ODIs) and South African teams are efficient in the fielding department.